After eventually sleeping soundly through the night, Ludolf would meet the others downstairs for a hearty breakfast before taking a brisk walk around the Court of Air together with Edgar, then getting a bath and massage at the Bath and Steam House. He would then meet with the others at the Hearth and being directed to Captain Jans by one of the barmaids he takes a seat opposite the tragic sight of the captain. "Greetings Captain, I am Ludolf Crowley. Me and my associates would need passage with your ship to the island of the gripplis that used to supply Candlekeep with foodstuffs. I am sorry if I come at a bad time, is something the matter with you and your crew captain?" The old man asks with a somewhat compassionate tone.
Persuasion for friendly and compassionate contact: 14 Another roll if someone arrives and gives the help action: 25 Before entering the Hearth, Ludolf would have called upon his eldritch powers to cast Detect Thoughts to check up on the old Captain's surface thoughts as Ludolf talks to him.
Daventry chases after Ludolf, grimacing as he sits down and starts off without any decorum. "Ludolf! I apologize for my companion, Captain." She gives a respectful bow, still standing. "I am Daventry of Weirwood, former ballista mate on the Heavensward, as well as former apprentice navigator on the Bismarck, both out of Neverwinter. Currently I serve at the pleasure of the First Reader as a member of the Candlekeep Investigation Agency. If you would allow, my companions and I would like you to enjoy a meal on us. We would like to discuss the matter of the Grippli village with you, as well as passage to Waterdeep itself. I can promise my own experience in a trip as a capable mate."
(Sailor Background Feature! Plus help action to Ludolf)
Pardot -- what is your morning and afternoon like, how are you preparing the grounds and what exactly are you up to?
Over the course of the day, Pardot walks around the fields as Greenie directs a few avowed of their tasks. As he walks around, small plants start to bloom and sprout in his path, as the ground becomes blessed, and watered.
Casting plant growth for the 8 hour version, also creating 100 gallons of water, and finally using druidcraft to get things blooming. The one spell alone keeps him busy for most of the day, so he'll join the group in the late afternoon
Triäsa grins as she watches Ludolf jump in and Daventry rescue his efforts with the Captain. Presuming the other two have this, she keeps back and keeps quiet for the moment, only giving the man a brief nod as Daventry gives him a bow.
Ludolf looks up at Daventry and then down into the table, blushing slightly under his sideburns over his less than polite entré, going silent as he figures Daventry will handle this from here much better with her knowledge of the seas and the strange and dour people that travels it.
The Captain holds his hand out to the chairs in front of you and speaks in a calm pleasant tone, "I was told you might be coming though I was expecting one more, perhaps I miss heard." The man smiles up at Daventry, "It's good to meet another that shares my love for the sea and I'd be happy to have your company for what has become meager meal." He takes another drink as you all settle into your seats and begins to tell his tale. "A peppy little gnome, can't quite recall her name, came to meet us at the dock this morning. Told me meet you all here and to be mostly sober. I can happily say that I have now accomplished both tasks though I hope to be much less sober soon." He finishes his drink and waves for another. "If you're interested in the grippli my crew and I will help however we can. Most of our business relies on those little guys but beyond that they've become dear friends."
"While it sounds like you already know a bit about the situation, here is the whole story as I know it." He sighs and gathers himself a bit more before continuing. "Candlekeep has long relied on this community of grippli to the north for fresh seafood. These frogfolk capture and raise giant crabs as livestock in an offshore cluster of pens they have erected just outside their village, they trade the meat and other salvageable parts for items they can use, particularly those made of metal or glass. Candlekeep has long been a steady customer, but over the last several tendays, maybe longer, the grippli have become less and less active, and the supply of food has been all but cut off. To make things worse, rumors have arisen about serpent creatures being seen near the Cloakwood and the grippli village. The crew and I are not the adventuring type, we're traders and sailors and scholars we'll give what aid we can but the men and I don't have the skills needed to investigate this.” A round of drinks arrive for all of you as well as the thinnest soup you have ever seen. "Those poor little guys are in trouble I can feel it, I don't know if you ever met one of the frog folk but they don't stand a chance against any sort of threat."
Pardot
There is something refreshing and invigorating about being outside with nature. It's calming for the soul to farm the land and bring life into the world. As you prepare the land, plant the seeds, water them and weave your magics you feel a peace and serenity you have not felt in a long time. (You may gain 2 Sanity) In fact, this would have been the perfect way to spend a midsummer day if not for the unorthodox techniques utilized by your Orcish companion. Greenie follows you through the planted fields tilling the land yelling at the ground, cursing it in your wake, "Get the f**k outta here grass and weeds. Your f****n' useless and you're being replaced." As your sproutlings blossom and start to take form Greening seems incredibly impressed. As each one emerges from the ground it's greeted by the orc, "Aye, God d**n right you're gonna grow. You better grow f****n' quick and f****n' strong or you'll be mulch for the next round of crops!" As the day presses on a small crowd gathers to watch the spectacle of the halfling and foul mouthed orc work the land. Greening, seeing opportunity, approaches a few and recruits a number of them to your ranks. His technical skill in caring for the plants is incredible and it turns out he is actually a pretty good teacher. In short order you have a small army of orcish trained horticulturists tending the land and yelling obscenities at the ground.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf listens in silence to the captain's tale, using his eldritch magic to enhance the taste at least of the very thin soup arriving at the table before starting to eat slowly. "So it would stand to reason that the gripplis have had a less than pleasant visit from these serpent creatures. Is there anything more you can tell us about them, and maybe about the name of YIG?"The old man asks calmly. "Also, how soon can you set sail again to take us there?"
"That would be correct. There have been less and less of the frog folk meeting us at the docks. This last trip only a handful with barely any food. We tried to get more information from them but they were too afraid to share more details."He samples the soup, "I must be spending too much time at sea, this soup is actually pretty good. Amazing what they can do with so few ingredients."He takes another big spoonful and drink before carrying on. "I haven't heard anything about a Yig, is that tree or something?" He just shrugs and moves on, "As for getting you to their village you have couple options. We can set sail at sunrise and get you to the trading post in about a day and half's sail north. I've done the trip more times than I care to count and if you are going to help them out we'll ship off first thing in the morning. Your other option is by land, wouldn't be my choice but if you'd rather avoid the sea you can walk about 100 miles up the coast."
As he talks he pulls out a rather nice colorful map with a big red X on it which indicates the location of the grippli village.
Triäsa slips into one of the seats offered, still remaining silent and allowing the others to deal with the captain. When the drinks and soup arrive, she'll sip lightly at her drink and try to quickly eat the soup.
As Triäsa joins them at the table Ludolf would use his eldritch magic to improve the taste of her soup as well, giving it a taste of saffron and garlic, hoping it will please the young half-elven bard. Ludolf then listens attentively to the captain and as the captain displays the map, Ludolf quickly studies it before speaking again. "It sounds to me like taking the sea route with you tomorrow morning is our best course of action. That would give Pardot time to finish up his farming preparations with that eloquent half-orc too." He says, looking at Daventry and Triäsa for their opinions.
"Going by sea would be my preference," Triäsa says. "Hopefully you could take us to the grippli, we work to find out what's happening. Then after you might be able to take us on to Waterdeep?"
The Captain smiles widely at Triäsa with a sparkle in his eye, "It'd be my pleasure to host you and your friends on the Dog Ear. We'll sail at first light if that's what you want to do so take the day and make your arrangements." He pauses for a moment and seems to consider his next words carefully, "I'll not pry into your business young lady and if you want to go to the City of Splendor I'll take you as compensation for your work. I suppose it's the least I can do if you can fix whatever mess is going on."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa returns the smile. "Well, I am looking forward to seeing the sea from the deck of your ship Captain. I have been hoping to get a chance to go out on the water ever since I saw the ocean for the first time when I arrived at Candlekeep!" Her voice is full of enthusiasm for the trip to come. "And we will certainly do what we can to fix these issues."
Ludolf gives the captain with the sparkling eyes a brief glare, moving slightly closer to Triäsa. "Yes, might I suggest then that you and your crew go easy on the bottle today as they say, considering the valuable cargo you will be transporting tomorrow."He says a bit dryly.
"A fair point my good sir but don't worry, I could make the trip to the outpost four sheets to the wind. We'll meet at first light at the docks below Exaltation. Ask around, the hallways are confusing but you'll find it eventually." He turns back to Triäsa "You won't be disappointed I am sure m'lady. The ocean is even more majestic as you ride the waves themselves. Birds of all sizes circle the skies while the most fascinating creatures dart in the waters below. The beauty of maritime adventure can not be surpassed by anything on land." His eyes dance with a youthful glee as he speaks of the ocean and smiles for the first time. "Now I have a lot of drinking to do, but I always appreciate company. Feel free to join if you think you can keep up though it seems it is going to a subdued crowd tonight. Just make sure you have made your preparations for tomorrow, no telling when you'll be back!"
(What all would you like to do for the rest of the day? You have 8 hours of light left any shopping or prep you'd like to do around the keep before you set out? We can fast forward this and get to the next morning once your prep is done.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"Well, it sounds like it will be wonderful. I am curious though, how does the absence of stars affect your navigation? Are there sufficient landmarks? I would think it quite a challenge," Triäsa asks, looking intently at the captain with curiosity.
She again gives him a bright smile at his mention of drinking. "I for one know I could not keep up with you good sir. I shall simply bow out of such a contest." Turning to the others in the group she adds, "I should go make sure I have everything ready for our trip. Anyone else headed back to our rooms?"
(Triäsa doesn't have much specific to do before going. She would like to look into obtaining the powdered silver and iron worth at least 100 gp that she would need to cast her Magic Circle. She doesn't have that much money, though shouldn't we be getting paid for being part of the C.I.A.? And it just seems like that would be something easily found in Candlekeep. Perhaps it's standard supplies for Candlekeep employees?)
The Captain returns Triäsa smile, "Clever! The lack of the stars do make our journey more challenging but only if we wander too far from shore. So long as we keep the coast on the starboard bow we are safe on the way to the outpost. Beyond that you can always find your way to land if you watch the birds carefully, observe the push and pull of the waves and of course there is no substitute for a good compass and map!" He drinks a bit of ale and smiles again, "We will have some time on the boat perhaps I can teach you a thing or two about life on the sea if you are interested."
Candlekeep will provide any reasonable spell components you require so there is no issue obtaining the silver and iron. In terms of pay for the CIA, I think they would view your compensation as free room, board and unlimited access to the library. Your services are then rewarded on a case by case basis. The Erudite Outfitters and Clothier's would provide access to Baulder's Gate more extravagant needs, though there is a delay and cost associated with that service. The Keep does owe you pay for saving Fistandia, I'll deal with that before you all set out.
I think I'll move you all along to the next morning and the ship in a bit we can rewind if needed, I think Viper is traveling but if there is anything on his end we can handwave/rewind things a bit.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf would give the captain a nod and a quick smile as he gets up, following Triäsa back to the mansion, pondering the name YIG as he prepares to leave the next morning.
The next morning you awaken from another night filled with empty dreams. The sun has not crested yet and you struggle with the early wake up. Gathering your gear and supplies you make your way downstairs. The mansion is very very quiet, the twins are not yet stirring and Fistandia is no where to be seen. Fembris, however greets you at the entrance with a peppy smile, "Oh! You all just got back and now your off on another grand adventure. Promise me you'll stay for more than a few nights next time you're home! Things seem to go to shit..." She turns red at her slip of profanity, "er, bad.. yes, just things go downright awful when you're gone."
She says the password and leads you through Exaltation with speed and grace chatting as you go. A good 15 minutes of walking down beneath the keep and Fembris pushes open two 20 foot tall heavy wooden doors.
You are blasted in the face with a strong breeze of warm, salty air filled commotion. You find yourself in a grand cavern that has all the makings of a small port village. The rocky walls climb hundreds of feet high with stalactites and stalagmites cutting from the surface at odd angles. Drips of condensation fall to the ground like a sparse salty rain and the sounds of waves crashing against the docks in omnipresent. A few small buildings are scattered around a wooden pier large enough to hold 4 sizeable ships. Presently, there is only one ship docked, The Dog Ear.
The Dog Ear is an impressive vessel. It is a long slender, wooden ship with three tall masts and perfect white sails. It is immaculately maintained with a polished brass metal trim along the edges. The largest of the sails bears the crest of Candlekeep proudly in the center. There is a flurry of activity as the crew load packages onto the ship preparing for departure.
Fembris whistles at the sight, "I'm not much for the water but it's always amazing to come down here and see the crew in action. Now I have a surprise for you all." She opens her bag and pulls out four sacks that jingle as she hands them to you each. "I don't know what good it will do but Bookwyrm wanted to make sure you were compensated for your work with Fistandia and you could cover any expenses you might encounter on the high seas!"
Looking inside each sack contains 350 gold pieces.
As your stashing your gold away Captain Jois strides confidently to your group. He looks shockingly sober and not at all hung over. He smiles at each of you, his gaze lingers just a moment longer on Triäsa as he speaks, "I am very glad you all made it! We should be ready to leave any moment now just loading the last of the cargo on board then we'll set sail for outpost."He waves his hands beckoning you to follow him on board.
In a rather desperate voice Fembris calls out, "Don't worry about me... I'll keep Fistandia busy! Be safe!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
After eventually sleeping soundly through the night, Ludolf would meet the others downstairs for a hearty breakfast before taking a brisk walk around the Court of Air together with Edgar, then getting a bath and massage at the Bath and Steam House. He would then meet with the others at the Hearth and being directed to Captain Jans by one of the barmaids he takes a seat opposite the tragic sight of the captain. "Greetings Captain, I am Ludolf Crowley. Me and my associates would need passage with your ship to the island of the gripplis that used to supply Candlekeep with foodstuffs. I am sorry if I come at a bad time, is something the matter with you and your crew captain?" The old man asks with a somewhat compassionate tone.
Persuasion for friendly and compassionate contact: 14 Another roll if someone arrives and gives the help action: 25
Before entering the Hearth, Ludolf would have called upon his eldritch powers to cast Detect Thoughts to check up on the old Captain's surface thoughts as Ludolf talks to him.
Daventry chases after Ludolf, grimacing as he sits down and starts off without any decorum. "Ludolf! I apologize for my companion, Captain." She gives a respectful bow, still standing. "I am Daventry of Weirwood, former ballista mate on the Heavensward, as well as former apprentice navigator on the Bismarck, both out of Neverwinter. Currently I serve at the pleasure of the First Reader as a member of the Candlekeep Investigation Agency. If you would allow, my companions and I would like you to enjoy a meal on us. We would like to discuss the matter of the Grippli village with you, as well as passage to Waterdeep itself. I can promise my own experience in a trip as a capable mate."
(Sailor Background Feature! Plus help action to Ludolf)
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Over the course of the day, Pardot walks around the fields as Greenie directs a few avowed of their tasks. As he walks around, small plants start to bloom and sprout in his path, as the ground becomes blessed, and watered.
Casting plant growth for the 8 hour version, also creating 100 gallons of water, and finally using druidcraft to get things blooming. The one spell alone keeps him busy for most of the day, so he'll join the group in the late afternoon
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Pardot -- sounds goodroll arcana and nature
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa grins as she watches Ludolf jump in and Daventry rescue his efforts with the Captain. Presuming the other two have this, she keeps back and keeps quiet for the moment, only giving the man a brief nod as Daventry gives him a bow.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Ludolf looks up at Daventry and then down into the table, blushing slightly under his sideburns over his less than polite entré, going silent as he figures Daventry will handle this from here much better with her knowledge of the seas and the strange and dour people that travels it.
The Captain holds his hand out to the chairs in front of you and speaks in a calm pleasant tone, "I was told you might be coming though I was expecting one more, perhaps I miss heard." The man smiles up at Daventry, "It's good to meet another that shares my love for the sea and I'd be happy to have your company for what has become meager meal." He takes another drink as you all settle into your seats and begins to tell his tale. "A peppy little gnome, can't quite recall her name, came to meet us at the dock this morning. Told me meet you all here and to be mostly sober. I can happily say that I have now accomplished both tasks though I hope to be much less sober soon." He finishes his drink and waves for another. "If you're interested in the grippli my crew and I will help however we can. Most of our business relies on those little guys but beyond that they've become dear friends."
"While it sounds like you already know a bit about the situation, here is the whole story as I know it." He sighs and gathers himself a bit more before continuing. "Candlekeep has long relied on this community of grippli to the north for fresh seafood. These frogfolk capture and raise giant crabs as livestock in an offshore cluster of pens they have erected just outside their village, they trade the meat and other salvageable parts for items they can use, particularly those made of metal or glass. Candlekeep has long been a steady customer, but over the last several tendays, maybe longer, the grippli have become less and less active, and the supply of food has been all but cut off. To make things worse, rumors have arisen about serpent creatures being seen near the Cloakwood and the grippli village. The crew and I are not the adventuring type, we're traders and sailors and scholars we'll give what aid we can but the men and I don't have the skills needed to investigate this.” A round of drinks arrive for all of you as well as the thinnest soup you have ever seen. "Those poor little guys are in trouble I can feel it, I don't know if you ever met one of the frog folk but they don't stand a chance against any sort of threat."
Pardot
There is something refreshing and invigorating about being outside with nature. It's calming for the soul to farm the land and bring life into the world. As you prepare the land, plant the seeds, water them and weave your magics you feel a peace and serenity you have not felt in a long time. (You may gain 2 Sanity) In fact, this would have been the perfect way to spend a midsummer day if not for the unorthodox techniques utilized by your Orcish companion. Greenie follows you through the planted fields tilling the land yelling at the ground, cursing it in your wake, "Get the f**k outta here grass and weeds. Your f****n' useless and you're being replaced." As your sproutlings blossom and start to take form Greening seems incredibly impressed. As each one emerges from the ground it's greeted by the orc, "Aye, God d**n right you're gonna grow. You better grow f****n' quick and f****n' strong or you'll be mulch for the next round of crops!" As the day presses on a small crowd gathers to watch the spectacle of the halfling and foul mouthed orc work the land. Greening, seeing opportunity, approaches a few and recruits a number of them to your ranks. His technical skill in caring for the plants is incredible and it turns out he is actually a pretty good teacher. In short order you have a small army of orcish trained horticulturists tending the land and yelling obscenities at the ground.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf listens in silence to the captain's tale, using his eldritch magic to enhance the taste at least of the very thin soup arriving at the table before starting to eat slowly. "So it would stand to reason that the gripplis have had a less than pleasant visit from these serpent creatures. Is there anything more you can tell us about them, and maybe about the name of YIG?" The old man asks calmly. "Also, how soon can you set sail again to take us there?"
"That would be correct. There have been less and less of the frog folk meeting us at the docks. This last trip only a handful with barely any food. We tried to get more information from them but they were too afraid to share more details." He samples the soup, "I must be spending too much time at sea, this soup is actually pretty good. Amazing what they can do with so few ingredients." He takes another big spoonful and drink before carrying on. "I haven't heard anything about a Yig, is that tree or something?" He just shrugs and moves on, "As for getting you to their village you have couple options. We can set sail at sunrise and get you to the trading post in about a day and half's sail north. I've done the trip more times than I care to count and if you are going to help them out we'll ship off first thing in the morning. Your other option is by land, wouldn't be my choice but if you'd rather avoid the sea you can walk about 100 miles up the coast."
As he talks he pulls out a rather nice colorful map with a big red X on it which indicates the location of the grippli village.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa slips into one of the seats offered, still remaining silent and allowing the others to deal with the captain. When the drinks and soup arrive, she'll sip lightly at her drink and try to quickly eat the soup.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
As Triäsa joins them at the table Ludolf would use his eldritch magic to improve the taste of her soup as well, giving it a taste of saffron and garlic, hoping it will please the young half-elven bard. Ludolf then listens attentively to the captain and as the captain displays the map, Ludolf quickly studies it before speaking again. "It sounds to me like taking the sea route with you tomorrow morning is our best course of action. That would give Pardot time to finish up his farming preparations with that eloquent half-orc too." He says, looking at Daventry and Triäsa for their opinions.
"Going by sea would be my preference," Triäsa says. "Hopefully you could take us to the grippli, we work to find out what's happening. Then after you might be able to take us on to Waterdeep?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The Captain smiles widely at Triäsa with a sparkle in his eye, "It'd be my pleasure to host you and your friends on the Dog Ear. We'll sail at first light if that's what you want to do so take the day and make your arrangements." He pauses for a moment and seems to consider his next words carefully, "I'll not pry into your business young lady and if you want to go to the City of Splendor I'll take you as compensation for your work. I suppose it's the least I can do if you can fix whatever mess is going on."
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa returns the smile. "Well, I am looking forward to seeing the sea from the deck of your ship Captain. I have been hoping to get a chance to go out on the water ever since I saw the ocean for the first time when I arrived at Candlekeep!" Her voice is full of enthusiasm for the trip to come. "And we will certainly do what we can to fix these issues."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Ludolf gives the captain with the sparkling eyes a brief glare, moving slightly closer to Triäsa. "Yes, might I suggest then that you and your crew go easy on the bottle today as they say, considering the valuable cargo you will be transporting tomorrow." He says a bit dryly.
"A fair point my good sir but don't worry, I could make the trip to the outpost four sheets to the wind. We'll meet at first light at the docks below Exaltation. Ask around, the hallways are confusing but you'll find it eventually." He turns back to Triäsa "You won't be disappointed I am sure m'lady. The ocean is even more majestic as you ride the waves themselves. Birds of all sizes circle the skies while the most fascinating creatures dart in the waters below. The beauty of maritime adventure can not be surpassed by anything on land." His eyes dance with a youthful glee as he speaks of the ocean and smiles for the first time. "Now I have a lot of drinking to do, but I always appreciate company. Feel free to join if you think you can keep up though it seems it is going to a subdued crowd tonight. Just make sure you have made your preparations for tomorrow, no telling when you'll be back!"
(What all would you like to do for the rest of the day? You have 8 hours of light left any shopping or prep you'd like to do around the keep before you set out? We can fast forward this and get to the next morning once your prep is done.)
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"Well, it sounds like it will be wonderful. I am curious though, how does the absence of stars affect your navigation? Are there sufficient landmarks? I would think it quite a challenge," Triäsa asks, looking intently at the captain with curiosity.
She again gives him a bright smile at his mention of drinking. "I for one know I could not keep up with you good sir. I shall simply bow out of such a contest." Turning to the others in the group she adds, "I should go make sure I have everything ready for our trip. Anyone else headed back to our rooms?"
(Triäsa doesn't have much specific to do before going. She would like to look into obtaining the powdered silver and iron worth at least 100 gp that she would need to cast her Magic Circle. She doesn't have that much money, though shouldn't we be getting paid for being part of the C.I.A.? And it just seems like that would be something easily found in Candlekeep. Perhaps it's standard supplies for Candlekeep employees?)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The Captain returns Triäsa smile, "Clever! The lack of the stars do make our journey more challenging but only if we wander too far from shore. So long as we keep the coast on the starboard bow we are safe on the way to the outpost. Beyond that you can always find your way to land if you watch the birds carefully, observe the push and pull of the waves and of course there is no substitute for a good compass and map!" He drinks a bit of ale and smiles again, "We will have some time on the boat perhaps I can teach you a thing or two about life on the sea if you are interested."
Candlekeep will provide any reasonable spell components you require so there is no issue obtaining the silver and iron. In terms of pay for the CIA, I think they would view your compensation as free room, board and unlimited access to the library. Your services are then rewarded on a case by case basis. The Erudite Outfitters and Clothier's would provide access to Baulder's Gate more extravagant needs, though there is a delay and cost associated with that service. The Keep does owe you pay for saving Fistandia, I'll deal with that before you all set out.
I think I'll move you all along to the next morning and the ship in a bit we can rewind if needed, I think Viper is traveling but if there is anything on his end we can handwave/rewind things a bit.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf would give the captain a nod and a quick smile as he gets up, following Triäsa back to the mansion, pondering the name YIG as he prepares to leave the next morning.
(Fine with moving forward :-)
(OK let's get this show on the water.)
The next morning you awaken from another night filled with empty dreams. The sun has not crested yet and you struggle with the early wake up. Gathering your gear and supplies you make your way downstairs. The mansion is very very quiet, the twins are not yet stirring and Fistandia is no where to be seen. Fembris, however greets you at the entrance with a peppy smile, "Oh! You all just got back and now your off on another grand adventure. Promise me you'll stay for more than a few nights next time you're home! Things seem to go to shit..." She turns red at her slip of profanity, "er, bad.. yes, just things go downright awful when you're gone."
She says the password and leads you through Exaltation with speed and grace chatting as you go. A good 15 minutes of walking down beneath the keep and Fembris pushes open two 20 foot tall heavy wooden doors.
You are blasted in the face with a strong breeze of warm, salty air filled commotion. You find yourself in a grand cavern that has all the makings of a small port village. The rocky walls climb hundreds of feet high with stalactites and stalagmites cutting from the surface at odd angles. Drips of condensation fall to the ground like a sparse salty rain and the sounds of waves crashing against the docks in omnipresent. A few small buildings are scattered around a wooden pier large enough to hold 4 sizeable ships. Presently, there is only one ship docked, The Dog Ear.
The Dog Ear is an impressive vessel. It is a long slender, wooden ship with three tall masts and perfect white sails. It is immaculately maintained with a polished brass metal trim along the edges. The largest of the sails bears the crest of Candlekeep proudly in the center. There is a flurry of activity as the crew load packages onto the ship preparing for departure.
Fembris whistles at the sight, "I'm not much for the water but it's always amazing to come down here and see the crew in action. Now I have a surprise for you all." She opens her bag and pulls out four sacks that jingle as she hands them to you each. "I don't know what good it will do but Bookwyrm wanted to make sure you were compensated for your work with Fistandia and you could cover any expenses you might encounter on the high seas!"
Looking inside each sack contains 350 gold pieces.
As your stashing your gold away Captain Jois strides confidently to your group. He looks shockingly sober and not at all hung over. He smiles at each of you, his gaze lingers just a moment longer on Triäsa as he speaks, "I am very glad you all made it! We should be ready to leave any moment now just loading the last of the cargo on board then we'll set sail for outpost." He waves his hands beckoning you to follow him on board.
In a rather desperate voice Fembris calls out, "Don't worry about me... I'll keep Fistandia busy! Be safe!"
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth